Thomas Wyatt the Younger

Lore & Background

Wyatt was the eldest of four boys, raised a Roman Catholic. His godfather, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, had a significant influence on his upbringing. He married Jane Haute in 1537. He inherited Allington Castle and Boxley Abbey in Kent at his father's death in 1542, but found both estates encumbered by debt.

He had a half-brother named Francis Darrell. Wyatt was described as a young man of somewhat wild and impulsive temperament. In 1543, along with other young noblemen, he was in trouble with the authorities for causing a serious public disturbance in London. He took part in the Siege of Landrecies and the Siege of Boulogne.

In 1547, he was elected Member of Parliament for Kent. In 1550, he was given the title of commissioner to delimit the English frontier in France but became ill and incapable of performing his duty. He claimed to have assisted Queen Mary I against the Duke of Northumberland. Wyatt developed an aversion to Spanish government from experiences with the Spanish Inquisition while accompanying his father, which affected him when he learned of Queen Mary's decision to marry Philip of Spain.

He led a rebellion after the official marriage announcement on 15 January 1554. He was arrested, tried for high treason, and executed on 11 April 1554. His body was further punished according to the standards of treason. He married Jane Haute and had six sons and four daughters.

Reader's Guide

Wyatt's rebellion stemmed from his opposition to Queen Mary's marriage to Philip of Spain. He published a proclamation at Maidstone stating his plan had been approved by 'dyvers of the best shire'. He commanded 1,500 men and set up headquarters in Rochester on 26 January. Queen Mary offered a pardon to followers who retreated within twenty-four hours.

Wyatt falsely announced imminent support from France and victorious uprisings. The Duke of Norfolk's forces were inferior to Wyatt's, and many of Norfolk's men joined the rebellion. Wyatt marched through Gravesend and Dartford to Blackheath. The government offered Wyatt an opportunity to establish demands as a formality.

Over twenty thousand men volunteered to aid the Queen. Wyatt insisted the Tower should be surrendered to him and the queen put in his charge. Upon entering Southwark, he discovered high-security measures and London Bridge fortified. Many followers abandoned him, forcing him to leave Southwark.

He headed towards Kingston-on-Thames, planning to surprise Ludgate and capture the Queen's refuge in St James's Palace. The government allowed him to progress into the city only to corner him from all sides. He admitted defeat and was arrested. At his execution, he confessed his own blame and exculpated Princess Elizabeth and Edward Courtenay.

Did You Know?

• His mother was Elizabeth Brooke, a daughter of Thomas Brooke, 8th Baron Cobham.
• He was beheaded on 11 April 1554; his head was hung from a gallows before being stolen on 17 April.